This is a common question, and something I’m still working to achieve…and a loooong ways away from. So many people have asked me how they can “get flat abs” or “lose fat around their belly” and my answer is always the same.

It’s all about nutrition.

And that’s why I have a hard time with it!

You can’t spot-reduce any area of your body, and if your stomach is the area that holds onto fat, then it will be the last area to lean out. Others might hold fat in their thighs or arms…wherever it is that you find it “impossible” to reduce, most likely that will be the last area to lose the fat. Bummer, I know.

While you can do all the crunches in the world, you still won’t be able to see that six-pack if you have fat over it. If you’re serious about losing the fat, then start getting serious about your nutrition. So much easier said than done, I know.

In order to lean out, you’ll probably have to eat at a 80/20 or 90/10 ratio. 80% “clean,” 20% other stuff. I put clean in parenthesis because it can mean different things to different people. To me it means getting your nutrition from whole food sources and cutting out any processed stuff.

It sounds strict but nutrition really is the key to weight loss. I am struggling with that now as I try to lose weight myself. It’s easy to indulge or make an excuse for why you can eat that cookie (“I just worked out for an hour.”).

I would be wary of diets you find online that claim you will lose 10 pounds in a week or things like that. The best plans are gradual and sustainable. You don’t want to be starving yourself.

Once you get your nutrition in check, make sure you’re working on daily (5-6 times a week)…side note: I read somewhere a few weeks ago that if you want to lose fat, you need to be working at 6 days a week. I gotta step it up!

If you’re looking for a workout routine, you can still sign up for my 4-week holiday fit blitz! It’s a 4-week workout plan…each workout is full-body and only takes 30 minutes. All you need are dumbbells.

Anyway, make sure you’re working out regularly and of course doing those core exercises! Once you lose the fat, you’ll be able to see those taught abs

I’m going to leave you with 3 ab workout videos that you can do anywhere. If you only have time for a core workout, then just do the core workout! Anything is always better than nothing. Okay here you go: